Government Financial Assistance Programs for Families

Government financial assistance programs help families with rent or other bills.Are you experiencing long-term unemployment or waiting for disability benefits to be approved? There are many government programs that provide free financial help for low-income families.

These resources have been put in place to help American citizens and residents who need temporary emergency help. There are even programs that giveaway free Christmas toys to kids every year.

The best thing about government assistance programs is, there are agencies in every city, and unlike a private of the community-based program, they don’t run out of money as often. Most of these residents, do not have the financial support of family or friends and have to resort to seeking supplemental assistance.

Government Grants

U.S. states receive block grants to use at their suggestion to help people eligible for aid. Previously called, Aide to Families with Dependent Families or AFDC, the program gives temporary financial assistance to families with children under 18. Those participating, are required to find work within a 24-month period.

Free Financial Help Paying Bills, will regularly bring you information on both private and government programs that:

Government Assistance Programs

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). TANF helps many suffering families all over the United States, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska and Indian Territories. They help by providing finances to pay for housing, utilities, food and supplemental necessities such as food, electricity and housing costs for a period of time.

Many of these families have one or more adults working in the home, yet the income is not sufficient to maintain their basic needs. Unforeseeable circumstances such as an illness, or the loss of a job, can suddenly cripple an otherwise stable family. This government assistance is designed to support families and offer government assistance for veterans, for as long as the support is needed.

If you are a family with children under 18, you may be eligible for temporary assistance from the government, even if you work. You can apply at your local or county welfare office, or go online to download an application. Locate your state contact information for local TANF help. If you have been denied in the past and your financial situation has changed, please apply again with updated proof of your income. (Federal Poverty Guidelines for Alaska and Hawaii)

Government Financial Assistance for Pregnant Women

These federal benefits are made available to anyone who is in need and qualifies financially and you meet requirement according to federal government standards. You do not have to wait until you give birth to your child, for these services, you can apply when you are three months. You are eligible if:

WIC (Women Infants and Children) Assistance

WIC or woman, infants, and children are a supplement program that provides federal grants to U.S. states for approved supplemental foods, health care, parenting, and nutritional education for disadvantaged, pregnant women and children under five years old. Their goal is to improve the health and well-being of at-risk children.

Other Government Assistance for Families (Ayuda Para Tu Familia)

When applying for temporary assistance, you will need proper documentation to proof, your family size, your income, or proof of employment and your address. Gather the necessary documents and bring as many as you can get, at the time you enroll. This will get the process started, and you will receive a letter of what other documents you need to present and the deadline you have to return them. These are some of the document you will need to bring when filing for financial assistance:

birth certificate

payroll stubs

residence status

current electricity bill

social security for adults and children cards

unemployment benefits letter

bank statement if you have an account

How to get SNAP/Food Stamps

The Food and Nutrition Service Program is an assistance program, that helps low-income resident buy food. It is funded by the federal government gives those enrolled a set amount each month, to purchase food and food products for their families.

Disadvantaged families don’t always have the money to provide their family with the healthiest food choices. The goal of this program is to improve nutrition and health. As an entitlement program, anyone can receive help, as long as they meet financial eligibility requirement.

SNAP benefits can only be used to purchase food items. Products that are not allowed are tobacco, alcohol, pet food, or paper products. When you are approved for TANF, your assistance will include SNAP, Medicaid and a monthly financial assistance check for rent, utilities, and basics. You will also get SNAP card to use to purchase food.

Work for Welfare

If adults living in the home are unemployed, they are required to participate in the work for welfare program (non-paid position), or a job training program. This program has been suspended in many states.

Going Back to School

If you would like to return to school, to learn a trade or certificate of nursing degree, there are also financial programs that will allow you to do so. If you are looking to return to school, there are also child care grants available. There is a limited amount of money for childcare, so you should sign up for childcare assistance as soon as possible.

Winter Heating Assistance (LIHEAP)

You may also be eligible for Winter heating assistance. It is not too late to start thinking about winter heating costs, or cooling costs if you live in a hot climate. LIHEAP helps disadvantaged families each year with heating and cooling costs. When you apply for the heating assistance program, through the Department of Social Services, or private poverty organization, you can receive a check the first week in January, to help you pay heating or cooling bills. The best time to apply for help is in last Summer. Funding is limited and preference is given to families with children.